(Updated October 1, 2020)
On Friday, September 25, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that it has amended the Regulation setting out Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 in response to the recent rise in cases of COVID-19.
The announcement prohibits liquor sales licensees from selling alcohol after 11 p.m. and requires licensees to close by 12:00 a.m. Licensees must remain closed until 5 a.m. and may not allow the consumption of alcohol on the premises until 9 a.m.
These new public health measures take effect immediately.
Licensees are permitted to offer food takeout and delivery from 12.a.m to 5 a.m., but may not include alcohol sales as part of takeout and delivery service during these times. More information about the requirements for takeout and delivery is available on this page.
In addition, all strip clubs must close as of 12:00 a.m. this evening and must remain closed until further notice. The AGCO understands that some business owners operating strip clubs would like to remain open for the purposes of serving food and liquor only. Business owners should contact their local municipality to determine if this is possible and, if so, what is required.
These measures will be in effect across the province. The AGCO continues to monitor compliance with laws and regulations as we work with public health officials and local police services to ensure licensed locations are complying with regulations. All licensees are expected to comply with any public health guidelines or orders issued by the Ontario Government or by any other applicable level of government. Licensed establishments can contact their local AGCO compliance official for more information.
The AGCO remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring that alcohol is sold, served, delivered and consumed in a responsible manner. Licensees must continue to meet all other existing requirements in the LLA and regulations.
The AGCO continues to work closely with the Government of Ontario to find ways of supporting Ontarians and the sectors we regulate during these challenging times.